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Liverpool has been told where they have gone wrong in their pursuit of Alexander Isak this summer, as well as how to remedy the drawn-out transfer saga.
Journalist Henry Winter believes that the Newcastle United talisman should have lodged a formal transfer request with his current club. But he also argues that the Reds should have presented a "proper" offer as opposed to their opening bid of $148 million plus add-ons.
The new Premier League campaign has officially kicked off without a resolution regarding Isak's future. The 25-year-old was absent throughout Newcastle's entire pre-season.
While his omission from Eddie Howe's tour was initially due to a thigh problem, it later became entirely transfer-related. In his efforts to engineer a move to Anfield, the striker has been instructed to train in isolation while he is allegedly refusing to play for the Magpies again.
The striker was missing from Saturday's stalemate against Aston Villa, for which he may face disciplinary measures. Speaking to talkSPORT, Winter said (via the Liverpool Echo): "Two things should happen here. First, he should put in a transfer request.
"I know [he wouldn't do that], but why does he deserve a loyalty bonus or any financial recompense from Newcastle United when he's halfway through his contract? Absolutely shouldn't do."
Liverpool has also contributed to the saga. At the start of August, they lodged a lowball initial proposal to the Toon Army, who promptly turned it down. They haven't come back with a fresh proposal since and will not do so until receiving an indication that Newcastle is positioned to, and is prepared to, offload their striker.
Having already criticized Isak, Winter went on to dissect the Reds' opening approach for their target. The journalist added: "Also, Liverpool should put in a proper offer.
"£110M for a player like this, particularly in a transfer window like this where we've seen fairly decent players move for £45M-60M ($60M-$81M). He's an elite-level player, which is why Liverpool understandably want him. Put in a proper offer."
He added: "Maybe they're waiting until after next week's game but it is staining the start of the season. Liverpool have had a fantastic transfer window but I think they need to show a bit more respect to Newcastle United and also respect to Isak, because he's more than a £110M player."
Arne Slot's team heads to St. James' Park in six days' time for the second Premier League fixture of their campaign. It will mark Newcastle's first home match, and given the current circumstances, Howe is relishing the prospect.
He said: "I think it's always spicy against Liverpool, there's a history with the fixture anyway. It's been an unbelievable fixture over the years in the Premier League.
"So we look forward to it, we respect them, and we know how good they are. Hopefully, off the back of today, we are ready."
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